Chapter 40: Acting

A faint trace of impatience flickered imperceptibly across Su Qinghan’s brow, but his gaze, cast toward the gaping maw of the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons, remained calm as ever. His voice was cold and detached: “Wait.”

He uttered just one word, devoid of any detectable emotion.

Su Yufeng glanced at him, fully aware of his cousin’s temperament, and said nothing more.

In the Western Courtyard, Chu Yuyao, holding an enormous special-made brush, diligently groomed the middle head of Little Black, all the while lost in her thoughts.

But none of this was most important; what truly mattered was the taste of that wine called Spring’s Embrace. The sensation upon drinking it was explosive, as if fireworks erupted in the mouth.

The moment Fang Shixun appeared in the livestream, those behind the scenes immediately realized the opportunity and seized upon it.

Every commander knew: if it came to deploying the repair fleet, then the battle had already reached a dire, unfavorable state.

In truth, Zhang Ku’s intention this time was merely to meet Fang Shixun personally. Bringing too many people would only hinder the possibility of building rapport and forging connections.

“Brother Li, you’ve had a long day—thank you, thank you. When you have time, come by the house and I’ll cook something delicious for you,” the old man said, handing Li the butcher a whole tael of silver. This was the customary go-between’s fee for his labor.

As Luo Zhi thought about the large plot of land stretching from the rear courtyard to the riverside that now, from today onward, belonged wholly to her family, joy welled up in her heart. The happier she became, the more energetic her work.

Luo Li gazed at him, lost and distracted, unable to recall what she’d meant to say just moments before.

Had it not been for the presence of Lanya, their plan might well have succeeded. But the world allows for few such ‘ifs.’

Back in his room, Mo Ran headed straight for the simulation hall. These days, few dared challenge him, and he rarely bothered to watch others. Yet when he saw Number 273 engaged in battle, he went over to observe.

Even without Hans’ guidance, Tiger and the others had already noticed the towering, hundred-meter-high white column at the center of the plaza.

As if both were vying to prove their mettle, they clashed again and again, their weapons colliding as sparks flared and faded in the wilds on the brink of dawn.

She raised her jade-like palm, and a disk of red and black spiritual energy spun into the air. Inscribed with countless intricate patterns, the disk was half a meter wide, yet bore a staggering five hundred thousand runes.

Upon entering, Mo Yi glanced around with evident disdain, yet in the end still lay down on Zhang Haotian’s bed and promptly fell into a deep sleep.

Since recovering from the plague, Old Zhao, feeling indebted to Jinghe for saving his life, handed over the deed to the pickle shop and asked to do odd jobs for Jinghe to repay the medical debt.

The room remained quiet, no one else speaking, but Luo Yu suddenly felt her nose sting for no reason—she had probably guessed right again.

Zhu Wu had been wrestling with himself the entire way, unsure whether to tell everyone about Chai Jin’s impending departure. Lost in thought, he found he’d already walked into the main tent.

When Su Ge’s pregnancy reached seven or eight months and her belly grew large, her figure did not noticeably change. However, her tastes grew heavier, and the nutritious meals Gu Shen prepared daily were no longer enough to satisfy her.

Zhang Haotian had been sitting here far too long, and now was the perfect time to get up and stretch his legs in the restroom.

Chu Qi held her gently, the rough bristles of his stubble grazing her forehead with a tingling sensation, making Jinghe shrink closer into his embrace.

For reasons unknown, ever since Lu Cheng had become Jiang Yi’s last disciple, his relationship with Duan Yan had turned subtly adversarial.

In the strangeness of this conversation, the parents were finally somewhat reassured. But worry was inevitable. Mother gave many instructions, and I agreed to each one.

These three entered the guest house one after another and sat around him, enough to make up a game of mahjong. Anyone would think the four were old friends, but not only had he never met them before, he couldn’t even join in the conversation.